Dr. Glaucomflecken Commencement Address: University of Michigan Medical School 2024

William Flanary, M.D., delivered the Medical School Commencement address May 10, 2024 in Hill Auditorium. Popularly known as "‪@DGlaucomflecken‬ " in medical-themed comedy shorts across social media, his speech provided graduates with the traditional mix of celebration and accomplishment alongside a dose of humor.
Learn more about commencement at: medschool.umic...

[@drmichaelarias]

Dr. Glaucomflecken is a national treasure in American medicine and must be protected at all costs

[@silverchannel8582]

That’s right !

[@MatheusHenrique-vs4bg]

That's rightty

[@friedrichjunzt]

So right, we should preserve his body now for the centuries to come ❤

[@tywoodruff2218]

Absolutely…

[@masterofdesaster8]

Excuse me, don't you mean "international treasure"? I'm pretty sure he is a significant contribution to our global cultural heritage.

[@HaythamAlsayed]

I can't believe he actually showed up and didn't just send Jonathan to do it for him

[@Thatcorgiman]

Jonathan is omnipresent

[@meatballg8655]

must've been on before 3pm

[@jameskaihatu6209]

Or Jimothy

[@christinearbogast6751]

Jimothoy a fav in our OR!😂​@@jameskaihatu6209

[@christinearbogast6751]

Hes brilliant!

[@josephtripp1696]

A doctor that treats eyes just happens to also help a new generation see where they need to go. Bless this man.

[@narellesmith7932]

Great comment

[@angiestimson3886]

Very nice speech! …..When he mentioned family and friends, I was hoping for a quick glance of a guy in the audience who kind of looked like him , with tattoos, wearing a Texaco Mike t- shirt.. Well, it was a special occasion!….Maybe next time! 😂🎓

[@macmedic892]

Great speech, but it missed ONE thing: A Jonathan head-nod.

[@mickizurcher]

You just missed it, is all!

[@vancetang2288]

@Dr.Glaucomflecken

[@Thatcorgiman]

Who do you think wrote the speech?

[@jugemujugemugokonosurikire4735]

​@@Thatcorgiman Could have sworn it's Ben, last name Ben.

[@bohemianfapsody9218]

Those came from the audience

[@bluedevil0133]

As a radiologist, I haven’t seen the sun since 2006. SAD lamps FTW. Great speech! 😎 😎

[@DK-Coffee]

But I bet Dermatology would be impressed with your lack of sun exposure. Vitamin D supplements are a game changer.

[@smallderick9099]

😂😂😂😂

[@gispaAPRN]

To make fun of “your kind,” I was walking out from the hospital the other morning and I see a vehicle roll up into the physician parking lot. Out came an older gentleman in a white coat well past his knees and on his face was a pair of protective glasses that one would use after having their eyes dilated. They were blacked out in all directions, and sure as hell across his left chest in embroidered black script said “Radiology.” I died laughing the whole way to my car. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 (I can’t really talk though because as soon as I see the sun, I cringe.) 🫀 😂

[@JulieVarga]

Thank you Dr Will Flannery. Rheumatology and ER both agree that this was the best commencement address we have ever heard

[@Chihuahuauno1]

OK, and what is the best commencement address actually even mean, you’re stupid!

[@bresea702]

In not even graduating for med school or looking to be a nurse, this just popped up on my feed. Literally one of the best commencement speeches I've heard.

[@Mein_KampfyChair]

Lol this is not for nurses. Medical school is for doctors

[@chrisweaving5307]

@@Mein_KampfyChairI think bresea702 wasn’t saying med school was for nurses, think they were describing that they are not looking to go into healthcare, mentioned med school and nursing as common pathways in to the hospital (ofc there are dozens of other healthcare programmes but that’s besides the point)

[@dry.colton]

​@@Mein_KampfyChair same thing

[@Cheese10151]

@@dry.colton???

[@Vortex-gz8se]

@@Mein_KampfyChair You seem to have a reading comprehension problem. Go back and read the comment you are responding to again.

[@doctorditman]

I graduated from med school in 1979, family medicine residency in 1982, and I retired in 2019. This address excited me , inspired me, and brought back so many memories of the most heart wrenching, heart aching, and also the most wonderful days of my life as a family doctor. My fellow residents were like family to me, but like Dr. G, if it weren't for my wife, I would have never made it (literally for Dr. G.) She's my best friend and my rock to this very day 55 years after I first asked her out on a date and 49 years after our marriage. I always say "When we were in med school," and "When we were in residency."

[@whatsupwthat]

You are so sweet. I'm happy your wife was there and never let you become disheartened 💖

[@tinabusby640]

As a fellow family doctor who graduated in 1995 and residency in 1998 and still working I agree with everything you said.

[@bluescrubsn1913]

I hear you. My high school sweetheart stuck with me through thick and thin. We went through undergrad, unemployment, homelessness, medical school, residency, and raising a family together. Graduated in 1997 and still practice Internal medicine on the East Coast. Never forget the people by your side when times were tough and you were at your lowest in life.

[@jimpartridge9634]

Happy to hear. My wife was a constant impediment. She tried repeatedly to make me fail. She ruined my sleep, refused to help with normal house chores, and generally made some money so she could party with guys in my class who did fail. I finished, made children, and tried to act like she made me stronger. She didn’t. She left me (and the kids). We all have a different path.

[@poolmilethirty2859]

What breath of fresh air. An example of how a speaker should motivate and inspire graduates.

[@kelvinburigo2430]

Jonathan wrote a beautiful speech for you! Congratulations!

[@sophieonthemtn1239]

As a retired sociology professor I wish at least one of the many commencement addresses I've had to sit through was 1/10 as interesting and encouraging as this. Thanks, Dr. G.

[@rowlandluv2liv]

Take what he shares here and in his series on health care-- what you have experienced and what you think you know. Expand your thinking and you may very well find your to acknowledging the following Lovely, Thank you. You Elicit Laughter even more so You inspire many to Expand Independent Thinking You don't have to wait 4-6-10 years to improve the health of humanity. Expand Your INDEPENDENT THINKING :) Really Ask Yourself and Your Peers to Evaluate the following Atoms do not Equal Energy REAL PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE starts with, How We Breathe (extrapolate the premise) How have we, Individual Humans, been duped into NOT KNOWING How to Breathe to control your PSNS - thus improve health and function??? Adults can decide everything that we Put into Our Mouth and HOW WE THE ENTIRE BODY Harness innate ability to Control Your Breath. How we use our body to fuel cellular function, hmm The way we BREATHE You get to decide Teach Yourself what You Already Know but have been distracted from realizing, implementing and sharing humanity. FIRST Exhale through soft-kiss pursed lips of your mouth take TWICE as LONG to Exhales through your mouth as the slow gentle INHALE through your nost Think about it Try It Share it With Our Breathing we optimize cellular function and best prime the body to best handle any challenge. With each exhale we stimulate the PSNS Our Rest and Digest portion of Nervous System Gentle Prolonged Exhales Try it for yourself. Slow Your Heart Rate for a more efficient Fill. Expand / dilate your every blood vessel- Expand Your THINKING reverting to what you have learning in Biology and Chemistry Just Exhale through the mouth, inhale through the nose. We may just find our back to feeling good in our skin. Ultimately freeing ourself from this near constant state of stress we unwittingly perpetrate against ourself e.g. FUEL YOUR BODY FIT FUEILING YOUR BODY FIT STARTS AND CONTINUES WITH HOW WE CHOOSE TO BREATHE. We Humans must exercise our freedom to BREATHE how to improve our everything. Each of us on this Marble possess the FREEDOM on We choose to breathe- Doctors and all humans - Expand Your thinking of what you know--first come back to the BASICS Think of what you learning in Chem and Bio -- Get Heath Literate by checking out How breathing and metabolism are interconnected | Ruben Meerman | TEDxBundaberg kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH6QqoaNrq53b9E and Mr. James Nestor's BREATH Book You don't have to wait 4-6-10 years to improve the health of humanity You may find yourself choosing to help yourself, your loved-ones and human vs perpetuating "sick-care Industry Propagandized falsehood that health depends on a PILL.

[@EleanorBrimblecombe]

Her introduction was fantastic and sensitive, and I loved your reactions to what she said

[@medstudent10101]

Thanks eye bro 💪

[@Ij-jan]

This doctor is great. He knows the frustration of insurance companies and he also knows what it’s like to be a patient.❤

[@rowlandluv2liv]

Do we really need insurance

[@whatsupwthat]

Bravo Dr. Flannery 👏😁 I have worked as a Medical Office Manager for almost 25 years. I have seen Managed Care ruin the healthcare system. It is No Secret their main concern is "The Bottom Line" pretending they know more than the medical providers. Advocacy Works. Keep speaking out! Future Doctors Rally Together.

[@JP-lu9ed]

Just retired after forty years. I’m here to tell you that’s a lovely true speech full of wisdom. I remain excited for what you all can do.

[@brianl830]

Wonderful!!! Over 25 years out of residency and my coresidents and I text daily and meet up when we can. Some of most important people in my life. Stay close!!!

[@lawrencetchen]

I'm finishing in a few weeks and I needed to hear this. My favorite people!

[@WarlordBob68]

We need Dr. Flanary for Surgeon General!

[@DannyMercer1993]

the courage to talk about his darkest moments, the compassion to empathise with the fear of those in front of him, and the wisdom to bring gratitude to all they have done, anchoring them in the present - interspersed with brevity throughout - a perfect commencement address. Well done Dr. G.

[@worldonfire1539]

Hear, hear, well said!

[@anastasijalihaceva5334]

This, at the end, actually brought me to tears, unexpectedly. I have graduated med school years ago, in a whole another country, am now at the very end of the residency, so truly have no memory of what was said at my graduation. But I will remember this speech, because it touched something deep, bringing back all of the terrors and joys of the med school. And simultaneously - brought back passion and hope for the future in this profession. Made me feel proud. Thank you, doctor Flanary, for such comedian, yet touching and inspiring speech! ❤

[@angelitogutierrez-qy3fm]

This is by far the best graduation speech I’ve ever heard in a long time. Congratulations Doctors and good luck.

[@hamstertime6333]

Wow I had no idea of his cancer struggles. Thank you so much doctor! Your amazing❤❤❤

[@FortheBudgies]

He didn't even get into what it was like to lose both testicles.

[@fionachen4792]

He also had a ventricular arrhythmia.

[@lauraspaeth6130]

Commencement addresses *generally* are cliche and forgettable. So the fact that this one made me cry, and laugh, and cheer despite me not graduating from MI, or anywhere for that matter….well bravo Dr. G. Well said 👏

[@donnakearse2503]

God bless this good man. I watch him all the time when he appears. Nurse here for 42 years.

[@joanhoffman3702]

Thank you for being a nurse. I’m sending much respect and love your way. 💞

[@eyelidmd]

Ophthalmologist here. Wonderful, motivating, succinct speech with touch of reality. Well done.

[@annedon776]

This Dr is all that is good with medicine! We need to listen to what he has to say……. He actually cares.

[@garrybrown3165]

Absolute truth. "Our duty in life is not to see through one another, rather, to see one another through." ~anon

[@lisasuhr6433]

I’ve had a 38year career in Occupational Therapy and your videos have brightened my days even in the most disheartening times. I too use humor to smooth over the rough spots for myself and my patients when things get difficult. A little laughter goes a long way ❤

[@handlesshouldntdefaulttonames]

Watching Dr. Flanary react to his introduction was an emotional ride. Also I think she introduces him finally as Dr William Flecken.

[@dondgc2298]

She introduced him by his true last name.

[@handlesshouldntdefaulttonames]

@@dondgc2298 Don't steal my fun.

[@kevinslover100]

I was massively inspired; even to the point of misty eyes and lumpy throat, and I’m not even in the field of medicine. Thank you Dr. G for making the world a better place through intelligent, poignant humor.

[@susanferretti5781]

That was a beautiful speech. Funny, intelligent, and hopeful. Well done Doc.

[@marcusv7881]

WOW! I have nothing to do with healthcare in my career but this guy, this speech was amazing! Inspiring! I couldn't stop watching until the very end. Best commencement speech ever!

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Wow Dr Bro. You are indeed a man of many parts. Great speech - made me wish l were 40 years younger and sitting in that graduation ceremony.

[@rahulk9684]

Wonderful speech, thank you for the insight Dr. Glaucomflecken!

[@emjamhowhow]

Loved the shout out to PBM reform. As a first year pharmacy graduate now working inpatient, I thank you for paying so much attention to your peers. Pharmacy advocacy is my passion and vertical integration will be the hill I die on. I appreciate the reminder as I navigate and survive my first year as PharmD.

[@silasketgaskets8709]

no doubt many of the grads matched in their chosen fields by taking Dr G's examples of "how to ace your residency interview"

[@michaelvallely2439]

Nice speech thing, eye bro.

[@jamesholloway3689]

OUTSTANDING. Shared with my 3rd year resident daughter.

[@juneledell6983]

Perfect advice for ALL healthcare professionals...Thank-YOU!!

[@Berion189]

Beautiful. My daughter just graduated med school on May 10, 2024 and this is a beautiful tribute to that momentous event.

[@snputri]

thank you doctor, as someone who currently in intern year, i need to hear that.

[@barryasman]

I wish that we had these words of wisdom when I graduated from medical school. All said so eloquently, with heart and understanding (from a true "insider"). Thanks for the inspiration.

[@georgezagger487]

Doctor Flanary/Glaucomflecken....a good man! Thank you!

[@Kblmquist]

I’m just a CMA but this speech not only made me laugh, but the ending made me cry as you inspired a new generation. Beautiful job doctor.

[@annamarielewis7078]

Keep going to school

[@cmhardy3]

I don’t know what it takes to fix the medical care system. I’m a patient. I had one doctor who refused to do a peer to peer, even though they ordered a CT. I had another doctor who fought tooth and nail to get insurance to cover my CT which detected cancer. I don’t know which one did the right thing to reform medical care, but I know which one saved my life. I’m sorry you all are graduating into this system, but I’m grateful for good doctors.

[@lisaburke2778]

really great address for these graduating med students. I am a doctor XS 35 years and his words are still impactful.

[@estanford826]

What you DO have is the love, appreciation and adoration of your fans❤

[@lisaferry9253]

I hope you get this. I truly enjoy your jokes. They are spot on!! Your humor is much appreciated! Your story is amazing! I’m so glad you had such wonderful support! I had to leave my oncology infusion nurse position that I loved (39 years ago) because of stage 4 cancer. My coworkers rallied around me too and made an unbearable situation bearable. My best wishes to you. I would bet that you are a wonderful doctor and friend. God bless you! ❤🙏🏻

[@narellesmith7932]

Nice that you built support and compassion between you in residency.

[@rsh793]

Beautiful human talk that hopefully goes forward with these youngsters - ESPECIALLY the talk to people and don't get scared of making mistakes - and get out and sort out the healthcare system - because people matter!

[@markinmy]

Such a great and inspiring speach! It is great to see you combining your passions in comedy, social justice, and medicine into such a great package, especially since I first met you at the first steps along your journey. Keep up the good work. Dr.McG

[@brucenathanson8402]

This why I love you, Will. Thank you for your message, thank you for speaking on behalf of patients and like hearted medical professionals.

[@rosemorris7912]

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a proper commencement address. Bravo!

[@luckypenny4263]

Congratulations what a gem !!! What a great opening speech ❤the best humor ever

[@mickizurcher]

What a perfect speech this was, so humble, funny and wise! You are an amazing person in so many ways. I am in such gratitude, you helped me through my last month of loss of vision and eye surgery, (which I’m still going through). What an amaze-balls 👁️👁️doctor and person you are. Historic!💚💚💚👏👏👏

[@kragar4]

Great speech!! Truly medicine is profit over patient care in the US

[@brianag9726]

Proud LSA grad here…I just shared it with my fellow Michigan alum friends that I still keep in touch with regularly. Now I am an Alumni Student Recruiter and hope to share this with future Michigan students and would have shared it with my 5th graders, but the comment about balls will prevent that, unfortunately.😂

[@SilentK61636]

In the beginning, he was glancing at his notes constantly. By the end he never even peeked at them. All straight from the heart. ❤

[@juneledell6983]

wow, I didn't know about ALL of his accomplishments. Great intro!

[@kerasrc6230]

How did I miss this video!!! You continue to amaze us Dr G! ❤

[@judithharper6731]

So true. Honest, insightful. FANTASTIC.

[@purple2015panda]

Congratulations class of 2024 and great ceremony speech ❤

[@ironfistgaming8945]

WOW!!! THATS what i would call a speech!!! He is a true genius!!!

[@YearoftheWoodDRAGON]

Very well said. Remember you only need one house to live in and less profit for the corporations.

[@jenniferhanses]

I think this was an excellent commencement address that provided vision and comfort, and that's what an ophthalmologist should aim for, isn't it?

[@Zkbbkzzz]

Thank you for being a patient advocate ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@KesB72]

Also adored from here in the UK ❤🤍💙

[@skippergin2695]

What an interesting history and a great speech. You're a much better choice to speak than some I've seen.

[@throughmyeyesbro]

Great speech. Funny and impactful.

[@rebekahtablante327]

16:25 “every now and then it’s ok to stop focusing on where you’re going, and appreciate where you are.” Such good advice for anyone at any stage!

[@joost00555]

I'm not American nor in the medical profession, but I was inspired nonetheless

[@kshwcs363]

Can we notice how many women are right behind him!! Yes!! 🎉

[@brianag9726]

One thing Michigan does best is ensure a diverse student population.

[@loridavis5699]

@@brianag9726🙄

[@DelphiaStrickland]

Watching his face during his intro... I appreciate learning more about one of my favorite social media content creators!

[@KxNOxUTA]

Congratulations to all graduates and good job Dr. Glaucomflecken!

[@candywalters8388]

Well done and utterly honest!

[@gruel_summer]

i'm seeing this just after a different commencement speaker at USC who was rejected for undergrad lol. I'm loving this theme!

[@7eaven29]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@Stn4d4me]

Awesome commencement address. Things like this help keep my head on straight 28 years into a primary care career . Never lose that life out of medicine - maybe consider a sideline in stand up comedy😜

[@Baraa.K.Mohammad]

What an amazing speech!

[@Ezox2408]

I truly think this ranks up there with the "Class of '99: Wear sunscreen" speech.

[@nadeenm]

Amazing! Absolutely loved it!

[@Brineytoes]

I had to go a hundred miles from hoe for healthcare for a very serious condition. Two ED doctors and my primary all said to go - that healthcare in our city is crashing. I went, and thank goodness. The docs here are drowning. It’s a spot of all healthcare in America. Please fix it!

[@liladjgal1204]

It takes a special person to have a commence speech that is about commencement speeches

[@emlynn1004]

What an excellent speech.

[@gispaAPRN]

We LOVE YOU, Dr. FLANNERY!!! You make my day so much when I need to decompress and laugh while I am/am not at work. 😂❤️💥

[@aparajithaa4433]

This popped up on my feed.As a resident could totally relate to every bit of whatever Dr G spoke.A true visionary indeed..

[@michellereneehealy892]

Wonderful speech. Dr. G truly has helped so many of us through the pandemic and beyond

[@mingieverlynn5698]

I came here for Jonathan 😂

[@PrimitiveFuturologist_YTC]

… I always knew you were Impressive Dr. G. I… damn. I never knew how much. All of y’all need to fall down the rabbit hole I did and learn about this man’s life, attitude, how much he’s given. Thank you, sir. WF FTW

[@GMMedic]

Wow, it's hard to slam-dunk a commencement speech but, mission accomplished. Well done.

[@mikeymara411]

omg, i had no idea you had cancer .... wow, and your demeanor is so humble .... very inspiring. ive been following your stuff for a few years now, so happy you've blown-up!

[@mariamarrero7335]

That was beautiful Ilove this guy🥰🥰🥰

[@Fluffyartichoke]

Great speech doctor!

[@ahasiikuyu8001]

This is inspirational!!

[@feralbluee]

what a wonderful commencement speech - one of the best ever. it was real, it was as humorous as you are., and it was very important and heartfelt. You are an incredible man. and so are your colleagues. most of you do your very best. Thank you so much for talking out about the so-called insurance we get. in 5 months or so , on my third company (i’m 78), i’ve already run into 3! problems, two of which are important. it seems it’s not you , the doctors who are in charge of our treatments, but the insurance companies - like duh! 🙄 i am so glad to hear of all that’s been accomplished so far - and you are so very optimistic about it (hope the dentists are involved, too :) i am also glad you are okay now. it was quite a shock to find out all that happened to you. Have a great summer and thanks much from the heart . love your vids 😋🧬🌷🌱

[@drsundipshenoy2471]

Excellent Dr Will.

[@ChapYurin]

great speech

[@luanneevans8397]

Never knew his real name, but love him. He needs comedy in life as we do. Thank you and congratulations

[@valentinamacario4110]

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉 you're the best!!!

[@jasonkrick1614]

Speaking at one of my former Alma Maters. I would have loved to have attended that speech. 👏

[@FortheBudgies]

I don't remember if any of my graduations even had a commencement speech. This is just a great speech on living and the fact that universities always find you is so incredibly true!